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Student representatives urge improved communication, library access and hot lunches; raise concerns about shortened class times
Summary
Student leaders told the board that students feel under-informed about budget and scheduling changes, want restored library access and clearer two-way communication, and that students at the ALC report cold lunches or limited hot-lunch options affecting energy during class.
Student representatives at the Duluth Public School Board meeting on Feb. 25 urged clearer, earlier communication about district decisions, stronger student input, restored library access and better meal service at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC).
Representative Dean summarized feedback from student forum meetings in January and February (about 60 students attended the most recent forum). Students expressed frustration about the new seven-period schedule and associated course requirements for ninth through 11th graders, saying shortened class times can make it harder to complete work and reduce time for one-on-one help with teachers. Several students reported having to drop electives to meet new requirements.
Students also said district surveys are easy to miss and recommended in-class time for discussion-based feedback, anonymous surveys when possible, and better follow-up so students see the effects of their input. Representative Dean asked for more emergency-preparedness information for students; several students said they were unclear about procedures after schedule changes and expressed a preference for refreshers on lockdowns and evacuation routes.
Student representatives raised a separate but related concern about library access. Dean said students and staff use libraries daily for tutoring, club meetings, research and study space and asked the district whether library funding available under Minnesota statute (referenced by a student as Minn. Stat. 134.356, $16.11 per pupil) had been used to sustain access. The representative said reductions in library availability contradict the district's stated literacy goals.
Representative Taylor, speaking for the ALC student body, thanked staff for the program but reported students at ALC frequently receive cold-lunch boxes rather than hot school meals and said the quality and energy impact of those lunches is a concern. Taylor said an example lunch included a bag of chips, a cheese dip and yogurt; another student reported spoiled milk on one occasion. Superintendent Magus and assistant superintendent Bonds acknowledged the concern and said nutrition staff would follow up; Magus said he had already asked executive director Zunich to look into ALC programming and meal service and would provide a status update at a future call meeting.
Board members and staff acknowledged the testimony and discussed practical changes. Assistant Superintendent Bonds confirmed he would check with technology staff about an access issue a student reported: a student had attempted to email the school board address listed on the district website and received an automated denial indicating students cannot directly email staff organizations; Bonds said technology would investigate and that the board would consider a routing/triage approach that preserves student access while addressing security concerns.
Board members also discussed forming or expanding a student advisory structure and asked staff to work with student representatives to make communication more timely and transparent. Superintendent Magus said the district recognized it could have done more outreach to student groups during the budget-realignment process and agreed to strengthen two-way communication.
Clarifying details: student forum attendance at last meeting ~60; students requested anonymous surveys and class-time response opportunities; students cited Minnesota statute for per-pupil library funding (student referenced $16.11 per pupil). The district committed to follow up on ALC meal service and to examine student email routing to board addresses.
